Compliance Updates

VIXIO GamblingCompliance announces 2020 Global Regulatory Awards shortlist

Published

5 years ago

October 1, 2020

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

VIXIO GamblingCompliance announces 2020 Global Regulatory Awards shortlist

Today, VIXIO GamblingCompliance unveiled the shortlist for their Global Regulatory Awards (GRA). Now in their fourth year, the VIXIO GRAs recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams and businesses who have excelled in the field of compliance, corporate social responsibility and responsible gambling over the course of the year.

This year’s shortlist showcases a host of progressive businesses, all who have demonstrated their ability to adapt to an increasingly complex regulatory environment, to innovate, and embrace safer gambling.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Mike Woolfrey, CEO, VIXIO, said “This year has been one of the most competitive years yet, with the judges having to consider hundreds of entries to shortlist finalists across 18 categories. Every year the standard gets higher as the industry moves to an ever-greater culture of compliance. Our judging process is extremely rigorous and the awards are hotly contested, so being shortlisted is a highly significant achievement. Whilst this year we are disappointed we won’t be able to host our black-tie gala dinner, we are looking forward to announcing the winners at our virtual event, which everyone can join to celebrate the industry’s achievements”.

Robert Chvatal, CEO, SAZKA Group, said: “Congratulations to all those shortlisted. The operational excellence, innovation and commitment to drive up standards demonstrated by those shortlisted is a really positive sign for the future of the industry. We are delighted to be partnering with VIXIO GamblingCompliance on these hugely important awards and we look forward to seeing who emerges as winners on 29 October”

Due to on-going safety concerns around COVID-19, this year’s presentation of the 2020 VIXIO Global Regulatory Award winners will take place via an online live stream, broadcast globally on 29, October at 16:00 GMT. To find out more, including how to register, go to: gamblingcomplianceawards.com

Award for Commitment to Compliance by An Affiliate Company

AskGamblers
Better Collective
Bojoko
Gambling.com Group
iBet Directory
Little Star Media

Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Responsible Gambling

Amina Norgosanow, Videslots
David Caruana, Kindred Group
Jon Duffy, Genting Casino UK
Stefania Colombo, IGT

Best Regulatory Lawyer or Law Firm of the Year

CMS
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Herzog Fox & Neeman
Mishcon de Reya Betting & Gaming Group
Pinsent Masons LLP
Tommaso di Chio, Kambi
WH Partners

Best Regulatory Lawyer or Law Firm of the Year

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Paul Hasting LLP

Chief Compliance Officer of the Year

Jon Duffy, Genting Casinos UK
Ori Monheit, Skywind Group
Sissel Weitzhandler, Play’n GO
Yurri Shevchuk, Parimatch

Chief Executive Officer of the Year

David Briggs, GeoComply
Giovanni Garrisi, Stanleybet Group
Phil Horne, Scientific Games UK
Sergey Portnov, Parimatch

Compliance Innovator or Innovation of the Year

BetConstruct
Gamalyze, Mindway AI
Genesis Global Limited
Location Validator App, GeoGuard
GiG Comply
Stoiximan / Betano Group

Compliance Officer of the Year

Adam Torres, San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission
Emma O’Neil, Sky Betting & Gaming
Ewout Wierda, VideoSlots
Jennifer Aguiar, DraftKings
Keith Caruana, Play’n GO
Mark Halstead, iSoftBet

Compliance Outstanding Achievement Award

iSoftBet
Kindred Group
Paysafe Group
Skywind Group

Award for Commitment to Compliance by An Affiliate Company

IGT Compliance Team
iSoftBet Compliance Team
NOVOMATIC AG Compliance Team
Paysafe Group Compliance Team
People’s Postcode Lottery Compliance Team
Play’n GO Compliance Team
Playtech Compliance Team
Sky Betting and Gaming Compliance Team

Head of AML/MLRO or AML Team of the Year

Anti-Fraud Legal and Compliance Team, Estoril Sol Digital
AML Team, Genting Casinos UK
Group Compliance Team, Paysafe Group
Jonathan Galea, VideoSlots

Head of Regulatory Affairs/Government Relations

Jon Duffy, Genting Casinos UK
Kimberley Broad, Microgaming
Lindsay Slader, GeoComply
Malcolm Fleming, People’s Postcode Lottery
Martin Lycka, GVC Group
Pablo Espuela, Luckia Games
Sabine Stoppel, NOVOMATIC AG

In-House Counsel/Legal Team of the Year

Andrei Andronic, Playson
GVC Group Legal Team
Nicole Metzgar-Schall, Sportradar
NOVOMATIC AG Legal Team
Riva Richard, Pollard Banknote Limited
Skywind Group Legal Team
William Hill Group Legal Team

In-House Counsel/Legal Team of the Year

ECOMMPAY
Passport Technology
Paysafe Group
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Trustly
Worldpay

RegTech Provider of the Year

GeoComply
IDnow
iovation
SBTech
Trulioo
w2 Global Data

Responsible Approach to Advertising Award

32 Red / Kindred Group
Catena Media
NetBet Enterprises
Stoiximan / Betano Group
William Hill

Rising Star Award

Denisa Bialá, Play’n GO
Erica Okerberg, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Esther Scheepers, Kindred Group
Hayley Doherty, Sky Betting & Gaming
Joonas Karhu, Bojoko
Melissa Shuba, BMM Testlabs
Zlatan Omerspahić, Nsoft

Compliance Lifetime Achievement Special Award

To be announced

Australia

AUSTRAC Intelligence Helps Crack Gold Laundering Case Linked to Gambling

Published

11 hours ago

September 9, 2025

Niji Narayan

austrac-intelligence-helps-crack-gold-laundering-case-linked-to-gambling

Reading Time: < 1 minute

AUSTRAC intelligence sparked an investigation that helped the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) to uncover a NSW police officer who sold more than $1.3 million in family gold bars to fund a gambling addiction.

The officer was found by the LECC to have engaged in serious misconduct after taking 12 gold bars, weighing 50 ounces each that belonged to his uncle and was stored underneath his mother’s house.

He falsified know your customer forms to sell the bullion to 2 dealers, claiming the gold was a birthday gift or inheritance and then he used the proceeds on sports betting apps and later admitted to the false information stating he “needed the money”.

AUSTRAC first raised the alarm by flagging transactions, including significant gold sales to a bullion dealer with reported money laundering links.

Operation Dartmoor was launched and uncovered the full extent of misconduct.

The officer resigned from the NSW Police Force and has been referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions.

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the case highlights the risks facing the bullion sector.

“Gambling harm doesn’t just drain bank accounts, it can drive desperate people into crime,” Mr Thomas said.

“When gambling turns to addiction, people often look for fast money and that can mean stealing, fraud or money laundering.

“Bullion is portable, valuable and attractive to people wanting to use it illegitimately.

“If you trade in bullion, you are part of the front line in stopping its exploitation.

“Your AML/CTF controls are the difference between being a trusted dealer or a weak link for crime.

“Every transaction is a potential red flag – it’s your responsibility to look twice, and if needed, report it.”

The post AUSTRAC Intelligence Helps Crack Gold Laundering Case Linked to Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Betty Wins

MGCB Orders Four Offshore Online Casinos to Cease Operations in Michigan

Published

2 days ago

September 8, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

mgcb-orders-four-offshore-online-casinos-to-cease-operations-in-michigan

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to four unlicensed online casinos—Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino—all operated by Tech Zone Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.

The enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protect Michigan residents from illegal gambling platforms that lack oversight, player safeguards, and responsible gaming protections.

“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to take strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of MGCB.

Under Michigan law, only MGCB-licensed operators are authorized to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Tech Zone’s four brands were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.

“Illegal operators may use familiar branding or social media ads to appear trustworthy. But if the site isn’t licensed by the MGCB, it isn’t safe. We encourage all players to check before they bet,” Williams said.

The post MGCB Orders Four Offshore Online Casinos to Cease Operations in Michigan appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Compliance Updates

CT Interactive grows its certified portfolio in Romania

Published

5 days ago

September 5, 2025

George Miller

ct-interactive-grows-its-certified-portfolio-in-romania

Reading Time: < 1 minute

CT Interactive is strengthening its presence in Romania’s regulated iGaming market by certifying 20 new games, bringing its total portfolio in the country to 101 titles. This is a significant achievement in the company’s European growth strategy.

Among the new certified releases are fan favorites such as Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the beloved Clover series featuring vintage-inspired graphics and nostalgic design elements, and 20 Mega Star, a classic fruit-themed slot that combines familiar gameplay with modern visuals to keep players engaged. Both titles have already proven their success across multiple international markets with strong player engagement.

Additionally, CT Interactive is launching its new Buy Bonus product line in the Romanian market. This exciting lineup includes Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, Duck of Luck Buy Bonus, Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus, Nanook the White Ghost Buy Bonus, and Hyper Cuber Buy Bonus — all offering thrilling bonus features and enhanced gameplay tailored to local player preferences.

“Certification in Romania is an important part of our European growth strategy,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive. “This expansion not only strengthens our presence but also enables us to offer a diverse and premium range of content to the regulated Romanian market.”

With these new certifications, CT Interactive continues to be a trusted provider of engaging gaming content, offering Romanian operators a broad range of advanced titles fully aligned with local regulatory standards.

The post CT Interactive grows its certified portfolio in Romania appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.